CHAPTER THREE

Benny was grinning from ear to ear as he entered the shedrow.

"Nice job, Benny." Roger said as Benny, Alison and the boys approached.

"Thanks, Rog. Where are Melina and the kids?" Benny asked.

"Back home – they're all sick, so they sent me down here to congratulate you guys." Roger answered.

"Give Melina and the kids our love." Alison spoke up. Roger nodded and promised he would.

"So, where's the winner?" Roger asked, looking around.

"She's in her stall. I'll take you to her." Benny told his friend, leading him to Lady Marmalade's stall. Lady Marmalade had her elegant head sticking over her stall door, her ears forward.

"Congratulations, sweet girl." Roger whispered to the filly, entering her stall. Lady Marmalade tossed her elegant head and sidestepped, something she did when she was excited. Roger dug out a carrot from his pocket and fed it to her as CloudJumpinRainbow and La Vie Boheme entered the shedrow. Trumpin' Charlie was already in his stall, his head buried in a bucket of oats. Even though he didn't win, he was still a winner in Benny's eyes.

Three days later, it was the Kentucky Derby. Benny was in the Owner's Boxes, along with Alison, Isaac, Roger and the other owners of the racehorses. Roger and Isaac were on their cell phones – Roger was talking to Melina, while Isaac was texting. Alison and Benny were watching the post parade.

"I'm keeping an eye on Yero My Hero." Benny told the others as the big chestnut colt passed in front of them. Benny's horses had drawn the numbers 5, 8, 9 and 14 post positions, which Benny wasn't happy about, but it would have to do.

"Isaac James – stop texting." Alison warned, smiling as La Vie Boheme, the number 5 horse, passed in front of them. He was already working up a good lather, which Benny wasn't happy about. Roger put his phone away and turned his attention to the race.

As the number 20 horse – I'm Looking At Lucky – was in the gate, the bell rang and the field sprinted down the track. Benny watched through his binoculars as Lady Marmalade pushed her way through the field. She and CloudJumpinRainbow were the only fillies in the race, but Benny didn't care.

Suddenly, there was a painful squeal and Brady was thrown from the saddle. Benny made his way down to the field as the horses passed. La Vie Boheme was lying on his side, struggling to get up.

"What happened?" Benny inquired, turning his attention to Brady.

"I don't know. We were coming down the stretch and some dirt got in his eye. Dad, will he be okay?" Brady inquired.

"I hope so. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

In the Vet Tent, the track vet – a woman named Dr. Nantucket – examined La Vie Boheme, gently talking to him as she looked in his eyes.

"Do me a favor – and him a favor – scratch him from the Belmont and Preakness. He's almost blind and it would kill him if he ran again." The vet told Benny and Alison. Roger and Isaac were in the Winner's Circle with Lady Marmalade. The filly had won by two strides, beating all the colts (and her half sister) in the Kentucky Derby. Trumpin' Charlie had come in second; Yero My Hero in third and CloudJumpinRainbow in fourth.

Benny felt tears in his eyes as he led La Vie Boheme to his stall. A groom came to Benny's aide, but Benny shook his head – he wanted a moment alone with his favorite horse.

"Hey big guy." Benny said to Boheme, taking off his racing saddle, blinders and bridle before putting on his leather halter with La Vie Boheme etched in the side. "You did good out there, buddy. I'm proud of you." Benny handed Boheme a carrot before exiting the stall.

A week later was the Preakness. Benny breathed in the Long Island air as he unloaded the horses from the trailer. Even though he wouldn't be running, Benny decided to bring La Vie Boheme along for the ride.

Once the horses were checked in, Benny, Alison and Isaac headed to the hotel, while Brady stayed behind to work the horses on the track. Seth Green, Benny's trainer, promised that he would stay behind with Brady.

"I think La Vie Boheme should run in the Preakness." Benny told Alison as they changed into their pajamas. Isaac and Roger were sharing the room next door.

"Benny, sweetie – ARE YOU CRAZY? If Boheme runs, he could lose his eyesight – didn't you hear the vet in Kentucky?" Alison asked.

"I want him to run – he wants to run."

"If he loses his eyesight, you're going to have to sell him. No one wants to breed their mares to a blind stud. He could hurt the mare."

"I guess I should start looking for a home for him."

"Not yet – wait until the Triple Crown is over, that way, no one will know and the rumors won't be flying around the stable yard."

Benny nodded and got in bed, knowing that Alison was right.